1. Rajasthan

• Grant Name and State: iStart Rajasthan - Startup Assistance Schemes (Rajasthan)

• Description: Rajasthan offers a comprehensive, multi-stage support system right from the idea stage, which is rare. It combines regular sustenance allowances with separate, larger seed funds and a single, user-friendly portal (iStart) for all applications, making it one of the most integrated ecosystems.

• Funding Quantum & Type:

  • Sustenance Allowance: ₹20,000 per month for 1 year (Equity-free cash grant).

  • Seed Stage Funding: Up to ₹20 Lakhs (Equity-based funding from a partner network, facilitated by iStart).

  • Special Grants for Women-led/Green/Social Startups: Additional benefits and higher sustenance allowance (up to ₹25,000/month).

• Who Can Apply: Any registered entity (Pvt Ltd, LLP, or Partnership) with an innovative solution. The startup must be registered on the iStart portal. There are no initial revenue or traction requirements for the sustenance allowance, making it ideal for early-stage startups.

• Value-Added Benefits (Beyond the Cash): Free access to a vast network of over 100 mentors via the iStart portal. Access to state-of-the-art co-working spaces and digital labs at Techno Hub, Jaipur. Direct opportunities to implement pilot projects with the state government ("Challenge for Change" program).

• Application Insider: The process is entirely online and surprisingly efficient. The key is a well-prepared pitch deck, as the initial evaluation for funding is based on it. Getting your startup "iStart Recognized" is the first and most crucial step. Delays can sometimes occur in fund disbursal after sanction, so plan finances accordingly.

• Official Portal & Direct Link: https://istart.rajasthan.gov.in/

2. Karnataka

• Grant Name and State: Idea2PoC Grant-in-Aid Scheme - Elevate (Karnataka)

• Description: This is arguably India's most famous and sought-after early-stage grant. It is purely an equity-free grant-in-aid, meaning the government takes no stake. Its focus on converting ideas to a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) is laser-sharp, and the "Elevate" branding carries significant prestige.

• Funding Quantum & Type: Up to ₹50 Lakhs (Pure, equity-free cash grant).

• Who Can Apply: Startups registered in Karnataka (Pvt Ltd/LLP/OPC) that are less than 5 years old. The startup must be working on an innovative product or service with the potential for commercialization. The selection process is competitive and involves a multi-stage evaluation by a panel of experts.

• Value-Added Benefits (Beyond the Cash): Winning the grant provides immense validation and attracts further VC interest. It includes mentorship from the state's vast network of industry experts, academicians, and access to the ecosystem of labs and testing centers in Bengaluru.

• Application Insider: The call for applications for "Elevate" is typically announced annually. It's a competitive race; a strong, defensible IP or a novel technology is a major advantage. The pitch and presentation to the committee are critical. Ensure your PoC development plan and fund utilization strategy are crystal clear.

• Official Portal & Direct Link: https://startup.karnataka.gov.in/

3. Kerala

• Grant Name and State: KSUM Innovation Grant Scheme (Kerala)

• Description: Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) offers a structured, multi-stage grant system that supports a startup's entire pre-market journey. It stands out for its clarity and accessibility, with specific grants for Idea, Prototyping, and Market Scaling, all equity-free.

• Funding Quantum & Type:

  • Idea Grant: Up to ₹3 Lakhs.

  • Productization Grant: Up to ₹7 Lakhs.

  • Scale-up Grant: Up to ₹15 Lakhs. (All are equity-free cash grants).

• Who Can Apply: Any registered startup with at least 51% ownership held by a resident of Kerala. The applicant needs to be registered with the Kerala Startup Mission. The grants are stage-specific, so you apply for the one that matches your current development level.

• Value-Added Benefits (Beyond the Cash): Access to the KSUM-supported incubator network, including Fab Labs and Future Labs. Strong government and industry connects, particularly in the SaaS, Deep Tech, and hardware sectors. KSUM actively facilitates market access through various programs.

• Application Insider: The application process is online via the KSUM portal and is known for its transparency. "Idea Day" is a key event where founders pitch for grants. Your pitch must clearly articulate the innovation and the exact use of funds for the specific stage (e.g., building the prototype).

• Official Portal & Direct Link: https://startupmission.kerala.gov.in/schemes

4. Tamil Nadu

• Grant Name and State: TANSEED (Tamil Nadu Seed Grant Fund)

• Description: TANSEED is a highly structured equity-based grant program. It's superior because it’s disbursed in tranches linked to milestones, which instills financial discipline. The program has a strong focus on inclusive growth, with a dedicated stream for women-led and rural-impact startups.

• Funding Quantum & Type: Up to ₹15 Lakhs as an equity-based grant. The government takes a small equity stake (typically 3%) through StartupTN. A special fund, the "Tamil Nadu SC/ST Startup Fund," provides even larger, more concessional capital.

• Who Can Apply: Startups registered in Tamil Nadu (Pvt Ltd/LLP/OPC). Must be registered with StartupTN. The startup should be at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage and looking for funds to scale.

• Value-Added Benefits (Beyond the Cash): Winners get plugged into the robust Chennai and Coimbatore startup ecosystems. StartupTN provides extensive mentorship, investor connections, and international market access support. The "StartupTN" brand association is a significant asset.

• Application Insider: The selection is through cohorts announced periodically. The application requires detailed financial projections and a clear go-to-market strategy. The final pitch to the jury is the deciding factor. Demonstrating early traction or a validated MVP is crucial.

• Official Portal & Direct Link: https://startuptn.in/

5. Uttar Pradesh

• Grant Name and State: UP Startup Policy Financial Incentives (Uttar Pradesh)

• Description: The UP government offers a powerful combination of a sustenance allowance and a separate seed capital grant, similar to Rajasthan. Its superiority lies in the sheer size of the state and the government's aggressive push to build an ecosystem from the ground up, creating less saturated opportunities than in southern states.

• Funding Quantum & Type:

  • Sustenance Allowance: ₹17,500 per month for 1 year (Equity-free cash grant).

  • Seed Capital Grant: Up to ₹7.5 Lakhs (Equity-free grant) for prototyping and market entry.

• Who Can Apply: Any entity registered as a startup with the UP government and operating in the state. The startup must be working on an innovative concept. The sustenance allowance is for idea-stage startups, while the seed capital is for those with a validated PoC.

• Value-Added Benefits (Beyond the Cash): Access to a growing network of government-backed incubators in Noida, Lucknow, and other cities. Strong support for startups in Agri-tech, Health-tech, and defense corridors. The government actively promotes startups for participation in national and international events.

• Application Insider: The application is managed through the Startup UP portal. Having a strong local connection or a solution that addresses a specific problem in Uttar Pradesh can be a significant advantage. The documentation process can be rigorous, so ensure all paperwork is in order.

• Official Portal & Direct Link: https://startup.up.gov.in/

6. Gujarat

• Grant Name and State: Assistance for Startups Scheme (Gujarat)

• Description: Gujarat's policy is highly attractive for product-based startups. It offers a combination of seed funding and a unique "Product Development Assistance" grant, which directly subsidizes the cost of creating and testing a physical or digital product, a benefit rarely offered so explicitly.

• Funding Quantum & Type:

  • Seed Support: Up to ₹30 Lakhs (provided by incubators, with government backing).

  • Product Development Assistance: Up to ₹5 Lakhs (Equity-free reimbursement/grant).

• Who Can Apply: Startups registered in Gujarat and recognized by a Nodal Institution in the state. The startup should be less than 10 years old. The product development assistance requires clear documentation of expenses.

• Value-Added Benefits (Beyond the Cash): Access to a mature industrial and manufacturing ecosystem. Strong mentorship from institutions like i-Create and GUSEC. The state's focus on hardware and deep-tech innovation provides access to specialized labs and testing facilities.

• Application Insider: The key to unlocking benefits in Gujarat is to get recognized and supported by one of the state's Nodal Institutions (incubators/universities). Your application should be routed through them. A strong business plan with a clear path to commercialization is essential.

• Official Portal & Direct Link: https://www.startup.gujarat.gov.in/

7. Odisha

• Grant Name and State: Startup Odisha - Financial Assistance Schemes (Odisha)

• Description: Odisha's policy is exceptional for its comprehensive, wrap-around financial support that covers almost every conceivable early-stage need. It provides separate, stackable grants for monthly allowance, product development, and even marketing, making it one of the most nurturing and holistic grant systems in India.

• Funding Quantum & Type:

  • Monthly Allowance: ₹22,000 per month for 1 year (Equity-free cash grant).

  • Product Development & Marketing Assistance: Up to ₹16 Lakhs (Equity-free grant).

  • Need-Based Assistance for Raw Materials/Software: Up to ₹1 Lakh per year.

• Who Can Apply: A startup registered in Odisha (Pvt Ltd/LLP/Partnership) and recognized by Startup Odisha. The startup should be working on an innovative product or service with high potential for employment generation or wealth creation.

• Value-Added Benefits (Beyond the Cash): Access to the O-Hub, a state-of-the-art incubation facility in Bhubaneswar. The state provides free-of-cost access to common facilities, labs, and testing centers. It also offers a unique one-time reimbursement of up to ₹10 Lakhs for patent filing expenses.

• Application Insider: The Startup Odisha portal is the single window for all applications. The key is to get recognized by Startup Odisha first. The evaluation process is known to be milestone-based and supportive. Having a solution that aligns with the state's focus sectors (e.g., manufacturing, IT, healthcare, handloom) can be an advantage.

• Official Portal & Direct Link: https://startupodisha.gov.in/

8. Assam

• Grant Name and State: My Assam Startup (MyASUS) Seed Funding Scheme (Assam)

• Description: Assam's policy is a critical gateway for entrepreneurs in the North-East. It stands out by offering a substantial, purely equity-free seed grant of up to ₹50 Lakhs, which is significantly higher than most other states' grant-in-aid schemes. This aggressive, non-dilutive funding is designed to kickstart the regional ecosystem.

• Funding Quantum & Type: Up to ₹50 Lakhs (Equity-free seed grant). The funding is disbursed in tranches based on the achievement of pre-defined milestones.

• Who Can Apply: Any startup registered in Assam with a valid Startup Assam-DPIIT recognition. The scheme prioritizes startups with innovative, scalable business models that can create a local impact. The founder or a majority of co-founders must be residents of Assam.

• Value-Added Benefits (Beyond the Cash): Access to "The Nest," Assam's flagship state-owned incubator in Guwahati, which provides subsidized office space and networking opportunities. The government actively assists startups in connecting with PSUs and large private enterprises for market access.

• Application Insider: The application is managed by the Assam Startup initiative. A key requirement is a detailed business plan with clear milestone-based fund utilization projections. The pitch must emphasize innovation, scalability, and job creation potential within Assam and the broader North-East region.

• Official Portal & Direct Link: https://startup.assam.gov.in/

9. Maharashtra

• Grant Name and State: Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS) Seed Fund (Maharashtra)

• Description: While Maharashtra is a mature startup hub, this scheme is superior due to its direct financial support for patent filing alongside seed capital. It provides up to ₹10 Lakhs for a national patent and ₹20 Lakhs for an international patent, one of the most generous IP support schemes in the country, directly addressing a major cost for innovative startups.

• Funding Quantum & Type:

  • Seed Capital: Up to ₹15 Lakhs (Equity-based funding).

  • Intellectual Property (IP) Support: Up to ₹10 Lakhs for domestic patents and ₹20 Lakhs for international patents (as a reimbursement/grant).

• Who Can Apply: A startup registered in Maharashtra and recognized by DPIIT. The startup must be at the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) or MVP stage. The IP support grant requires a successful patent application.

• Value-Added Benefits (Beyond the Cash): Access to the thriving ecosystems of Mumbai and Pune. MSInS provides strong mentorship and connects startups with a vast network of angel investors, VCs, and corporate partners. Winners are often showcased at high-profile government and industry events.

• Application Insider: Applications are typically invited in cohorts. The selection process is highly competitive. Your application must demonstrate a clear innovation and a strong intellectual property core. For the IP grant, having a professional patent attorney's report can strengthen your case significantly.

• Official Portal & Direct Link: https://www.msins.in/

10. Telangana

• Grant Name and State: T-Fund by T-Hub (Telangana)

• Description: This fund's primary advantage is its deep integration with T-Hub, one of the world's largest and most powerful innovation campuses. While it's an equity-based fund, not a grant, its superiority lies in the unparalleled ecosystem access it provides connections to a global network of mentors, corporates, and investors that can supercharge a startup's growth far beyond what cash alone can do.

• Funding Quantum & Type: Typically ranges from ₹25 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore or more. This is an early-stage, equity-based co-investment fund where T-Fund invests alongside angel investors or VCs.

• Who Can Apply: Tech-product startups (often B2B/SaaS focused) that are registered in Telangana and are part of, or have been selected for, one of T-Hub's incubation or acceleration programs. A strong, scalable business model and some level of initial traction are usually required.

• Value-Added Benefits (Beyond the Cash): Direct access to T-Hub's 6 'M's: Mentorship from industry titans, Market access through corporate innovation programs, Manpower (talent acquisition support), Money (connections to a global investor network), Methodologies (structured scaling playbooks), and Mindset (community of elite founders).

• Application Insider: Gaining access to the T-Fund is not through a simple application form. The critical first step is to get selected into one of T-Hub's competitive programs (like Lab32 or T-Angel). The funding decision is an outcome of your performance and evaluation within that program. The key is to get into the ecosystem first; the fund follows merit.

• Official Portal & Direct Link: https://t-hub.co/